BAR Bonneville projects hits 400.

BAR-Honda's Bonneville 400 project has achieved its aim of topping 400kph with what is essentially a grand prix car, but will have to repeat the feat early next season for the mark to be recorded as a new record.

South African development driver Alan van der Merwe broke the 400kph barrier no fewer than three times during a test run at the Mojave air base in California but, because the official record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah was washed out, his top speed of 413.205kph remains unofficial.

According to the team's record attempt website, the speeds were recorded in three ways - via the on-board pitot tube, through a 66ft speed trap and, to the man's great delight, by a police patrolman's radar gun, which saw its 205kph maximum easily surpassed!

The only problem during the test was a persistent side wind, which gusted to as much as 60 knots and threw dust onto the runway being used for the speed runs.

"The car ran perfectly," reported engineer Gary Savage, "but there was dust everywhere - we even had a tumbleweed blowing across the track. It was like being in a western. However, it was an encouraging day and we are confident that we can achieve this speed and more at Bonneville."

The team hopes to return to the salt flats in late spring next year, when weather conditions should be more conducive to speed attempts.